By Olivia Jessup | Echo
The Marion Community School of the Arts (CSA) will be honoring the memory of Shey Harris Saturday through the Rejoice in Dance benefit for the Shey Harris Scholarship.
Harris was a former dance student and teacher at CSA until she tragically passed away at age 20 in 2011, according to her obituary. She inspired her students and fellow dancers at CSA, which prompted the scholarship given in her honor.
"This endowment was created in her name to continue the legacy of her love of dance," said CSA marketing director Nancy Wood.
Allison Florea, a friend of Harris and organizer of the benefit, helped found the scholarship. The scholarship is given to dance students who exhibit a passion for dance, strong values, excellence in dance and are in need of it to further their dance career.
"When she passed away, I just felt inclined to do something to give back," Florea said. "Her mom, Sherry, started the scholarship fund . . . and I wanted to do something with dance because it was a passion we both shared."
Applicants for the scholarship must audition and interview with CSA, according to Florea, which awards it to a new student each year.
"It's really for kids who are really passionate about wanting to further their education as a dancer, and that's something that Shey did. She really went the extra mile and put herself out there," Florea said.
This is the third year for the performance and scholarship in Harris' name. The current scholarship holder is Brenna McCarty, a high school junior and dancer at CSA.
"I wasn't even thinking about doing dance last year because we couldn't afford it, and it was great to get the scholarship because it's like Shey telling me, 'This is your passion and you should be able to do it,'" McCarty said.
Harris was McCarty's dance teacher and inspired her and many others to pursue their love of dance, according to McCarty.
"Shey was always a great person. She always brought a positive attitude to CSA and I feel like she made us who we are today," McCarty said, remembering the dance classes she had with Harris. She fondly noted the time that Harris bought each of the girls in the class a Coke after successfully completing a challenge she had given them.The Rejoice in Dance benefit will be from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. tomorrow evening. A number of dance teams from CSA and a vocalist will be performing at the event. Tickets are $17 each, and buying them in advance is recommended. Payne's Restaurant will be providing dessert for the performance. All proceeds go to to the Shey Harris Scholarship. To order tickets, call CSA at 765-662-6263.
For more information, visit CSA's Facebook page.
